What is ATEX?

Explosive environments and electricity are a dangerous combination. Special lighting has been designed for such environments. These lighting fixtures carry the ‘ATEX’ label, which stands for ‘atmospheresexplosibles’. In the European Union, organizations that work with flammable gases and explosion-sensitive materials must comply with ATEX directives.

ATEX standards

Special standards apply within explosion-hazardous areas to ensure safety. Specific legislation has been set up for this purpose. The ATEX legislation consists of: ATEX Directive 114 and ATEX Directive 153. These European ATEX directives oblige employers to ensure safe working conditions in environments where flammable substances or gases are processed and where an explosive atmosphere may therefore occur. 

The ATEX Directive 114 (formerly ATEX 95) determines the requirements that equipment and products must meet when used in potentially explosive atmospheres. This directive applies to the manufacture of installations and products and is particularly applicable to manufacturers. The directive is included in the Commodities Act. Because the directive applies to the entire European Union, equipment and safety systems can be used throughout the EU. In this way, ATEX 114 contributes to free trade within the EU. 

The ATEX Directive 153 (formerly ATEX 137) describes the safety requirements that employers or owners of ATEX installations are required to implement so that employees can work safely and healthily in potentially explosive environments. Within potentially explosive areas, it must be indicated which explosive substances are present and in what quantities. Installations within the explosion-hazardous area must be properly installed, inspected and maintained by employees responsible for the installation. 

Employers must train and certify their employees so that they can work safely in hazardous areas. Explosive areas must be clearly marked with a warning triangle. 

Safe Lighting

We offer a suitable LED solution for every ATEX issue. We take care of everything from product to installation & maintenance. This way you can easily switch to LED lighting without any worries. Our ATEX lighting is of the best quality, so you no longer have to worry about maintenance. In addition, our luminaires have the highest lumen/watt ratio on the market, so you have maximum light output at the lowest consumption. 

We work with our own product line and can therefore always offer a solution. Whether it concerns 24V instead of 240V AC power supply or a special housing, we can arrange and install it for you. This way you can focus on your core business while Firefly realizes your sustainable transition.

Lightingfrontvariousexplosion-proof zones

The risks in explosive atmospheres differ and therefore zones have been defined. Each zone is determined by the presence of hazardous substances and the duration of their presence. 

Zone 0 - An environment in which an explosive gas mixture is present continuously or for a long period (at least 1,000 hours per year) 

Zone 1 - An environment where an explosive gas mixture is expected under normal conditions (between 10 and 1,000 hours per year) 

Zone 2 - An environment where an explosive gas mixture is not expected under normal conditions (less than 10 hours per year) 

Zone 20 - An environment with an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable substances that is present continuously or for a long period (at least 1,000 hours per year) 

Zone 21 - An environment in which, under normal circumstances, an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable substances is taken into account (between 10 and 1,000 hours per year) 

Zone 22 - An environment in which, under normal conditions, an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable substances is not expected (less than 10 hours per year) 

ATEX certification 

ATEX 114 specifies the standards that products and equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with. ATEX lighting therefore falls under the ATEX 114 directive. 

The ATEX legislation and ATEX guidelines do not specify the exact qualifications and competences that employees must have before they are allowed to work in an environment with a potential explosion hazard. The international explosion safety standard IEC 60079, also known in the Netherlands as NEN EN IEC 60079, offers a solution for this. Our employees follow these explosion safety standards.